Program Overview

WHY

Grassroots activism is currently experiencing an explosive resurgence. Millions of Americans now view themselves as activists.

This is a gift.

Now we must harness and direct this immense energy, and turn this moment into a movement. To have a lasting impact, our activism needs to be less reactive and more strategic, historically grounded, inclusive, and sustainable.

WHAT

The Strategic Activism Wonkathon will convene and foster collaboration between wonks/experts in policy, social justice, activism, education, psychology, media, and technology with new grassroots groups. The focus of our first event will be:

2018 elections candidate cultivation

2018 elections voter cultivation

immigration justice

HOW

We will examine the current strategies in our "activism toolkit" and rely on experts and activists with decades of experience to make them even sharper and more impactful. We will wonk out on: member of Congress influence; voter education and access; election volunteering and engagement; candidate nurturing, and corporate activism and divestment strategy.

In this first Wonkathon, we will discuss how best to apply these tools to elections (the long game) and immigration policy (the now game). In future Wonkathons we will keep an eye on 2018 but address "the now game" by picking a different policy area.